Founded in 1998, the Toronto Historical Association (THA) is an umbrella organization representing volunteer heritage organizations from across the City of Toronto. THA actively participates in heritage preservation and public education programs about Toronto’s built and natural heritage. Prior to the amalgamation of Toronto into the GTA, volunteer heritage groups from the former cities met on an informal basis to exchange ideas and information and joined together annually for a Heritage Showcase Exhibit. With the onset of the amalgamated City of Toronto, a number of groups believed it would be important for them to become an official organization in order to present a coordinated voice of heritage volunteers to the City. Organized as a registered not-for-profit organization, THA is an affiliate of the Ontario Historical Society. THA operates on a volunteer basis with a Board of Directors, drawn from among the Member organizations.